If you do much hiking in the southern Sierra Nevada range, you'll come across large gnarled juniper trees from time to time. They can be quite impressive. An interesting feature of junipers is the bluish berries they produce. You'll see them in the trees, on the ground beneath the trees, and sometimes in the scat of various animals, primarily coyotes and bears. It's doubtful that coyotes and bears eat the berries out of preference. It's more likely that a lack of alternatives causes them to eat the berries. As for humans, the berries can be used to make gin and as a spice used to add flavor to various food items. The berries are also said to have various medicinal properties.

JUNIPER INFORMATION:
California Juniper
Sierra Juniper